Unofficial Portkey Archive

Ch. 7 New Friends, New Teachers, A New Surprise and a New Quidditch Team

"Reach" is © SClub 7...no money is being made off of this fic.

The five teens and two adults quietly apparated to a small alleyway just off of Grimmauld Place. They stood between 11 and 13 and concentrated and Number 12 appeared. They all entered the house, only to find it empty. So they ran to the backyard where all of the bags had been placed.

“Yes, they’re still here!” said Harry. The group searched through the bags, frantically searching for the locket.

“I knew R.A.B. sounded familiar,” said Hermione. “Regulas Articus Black! It all makes sense now.”

“AH HA!” said Jessica as she pulled a silver locket from a bag. “I think I found it!”

“Yes, that’s IT!” said Harry and Hermione at the same time. Hermione grabbed the locket and threw it into the air.

“DESTRUCTO!” she cried as she pointed her wand at the locket. The locket shattered into a million pieces and the same wisp of silver mist that they had seen rise from the sword rose into the air.

“YES!” cried Harry. He swung Hermione around and the friends celebrated their closer journey towards defeating Voldemort.

The rest of the Weasleys, Remus, Tonks and Murphy were shocked to learn that Sirius was in fact alive. They partied into the night, but not for very long. Molly ordered everyone to bed so that they could get an early start to the Hogwarts train in the morning. Jessica woke to the smell of bacon. Groaning, she looked at her watch and saw that it was 6:30 AM. James shifted in his sleep next to her and she laughed. Suddenly, a wave of sickness came across her and she dashed to the bathroom and emptied the contents of her stomach into the toilet. She groaned and wiped her mouth with a piece of toilet paper.

“What in the bloody hell…” she murmured. “I didn’t even drink last night!” She shrugged it off. “Must be the flu or something.”

Jessica flushed the toilet after taking a tinkle and washed her hands. She hopped in the shower and twenty minutes later, she joined the others downstairs for breakfast.

“Good morning dear, here, eat up. We’ve got a busy day today,” said Molly, placing some eggs and bacon in front of her.

“Oh, no thanks Molly, I’ll just have some toast. Not feeling too good,” said Jessica as she pushed the plate away from her.

“You okay baby?” asked Jimmy as Molly pushed the plate in front of Harry and put a mound of toast in front of Jessica.

“Just nauseous,” said Jessica as she slowly ate her toast.

“Just must be butterflies dear,” said Arabella. “You’re going to a new and bigger school. Hogwarts is pretty overwhelming.”

“I wonder who else from the academy got accepted to Hogwarts?” asked Jessica. “It’d be great to see the gang again.”

“I got an owl from Mike and Rachel,” said James. “They and Hannah got in. Not sure about Tina and John though.”

“It’s be awesome if Tina and John got in, then we could perform for the school!” said Jessica.

“Perform?” questioned Harry and Ron.

“We used to have a singing group back at Salem. We were going to send out a demo before the school closed,” said James.

“Speaking of which, whatever happened to the RCA guy?” asked Hermione.

“Oh, I turned him down to go to Hogwarts,” said Jessica. “Apparently, he’s a wizard too. Went to Salem himself but decided to go into the muggle music business instead of working in Salem. He said the offer still stands once I finish school. But I think I want to work at the ministry doing Auror work.”

“We have all the marks,” said James. “McGonagall said she will let us go into the program.”

“That’s great! We’ll probably all be in the same classes!” said Hermione. “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe N.E.W.T.S. are only eight months away!”

“Ugh, don’t remind me,” said Ron as he chewed on some more bacon.

“Okay you lot,” said Molly. “We’re leaving at 9:00 sharp, so be ready by then.”

Since Ginny was the only one who couldn’t apparate, they flooed to the Leaky Cauldron at exactly 9:00 AM sharp and met Arthur with some Ministry cars out front. They piled in and were at Kings Cross in no time. The clock read 10:30 when they got to Platform Nine and ¾’s and loaded the train. Harry ignored the stares from the first years and they all piled into the Head Boy and Girl compartment near the front. It was much bigger than the compartments they had sat in before. Just as they had settled and the train took off from the platform, the door slid open, revealing one person they had hoped wouldn’t return to Hogwarts: Malfoy.

“Well, well, well, what have we here?” asked Draco. “Potty, Weasel, Weaslette, and the Mudblood.”

“Malfoy, how come you aren’t how following in your Daddy’s footsteps?” asked Harry, his wand drawn. “I was sure you wouldn’t have the guts to show your face again after your betrayal to Dumbledore.”

“How dare you…” cried Draco. “And my dear old cousin, what are you doing with these losers?”

“Correction Drake,” said Jessica. “Hermione here is a pureblood. And since I moved back from the States.”

“Ha! Since when, you filthy traitor?” asked Draco as he stepped towards his cousin.

“Since forever. Meet your cousin and my twin sister!” said Jessica. Malfoy turned white as Hermione smirked.

“You better be nice Drakey, your mommy wouldn’t be pleased to learn that the girl you’ve hated since first year is really your cousin, now would you?” said Hermione. Malfoy sneered as he drew his wand.

“Mark my words, you’ll be getting what’s coming to you, Potter. The same goes for you all.”

“Hey Drake, what’s zero plus zero plus zero?” asked Jessica, her wand in her hand.

“What?” sneered Draco.

“Your I.Q. you big bouncing ferret!” laughed Jessica and she transfigured him into a ferret and bounced him up and down. As the people in the compartments nearby laughed at the white ferret that bounced up and down, Lupin made his entrance from a back compartment and picked up the ferret.

“Jessica Marie Black, just what in Merlin’s name are you doing?!” cried Lupin. “Who is this?”

“Malfoy,” said Jessica. “He was threatening us. I had to do something!”

“Change him back, NOW. Before I tell your parents.”

Jessica groaned and changed Malfoy back into his normal self. He lay twitching his nose and teeth. When he realized he was human again, he got up and hurried away.

“I’ll get you, you family traitor, mark my words!” he cried, running down the opposite end of the hall. A few people applauded Jessica and she bowed.

“Thank you, I’ll be here all year,” said Jessica. She shook hands with some younger students and she was interrupted by some shrieks. She looked up and saw her old friends from Salem.

“Jimmy! They’re here!” cried Jessica and she ran to hug her fellow mates.

“Oh my god, Jess! You look great!” cried the one girl.

“Thanks Hannah, oh my gosh, Tina, John, I’m so glad you guys decided to come here! Hi Mike, hi Rachel, wow, you guys have a good summer?” asked Jessica.

“Dismal, it wasn’t any fun without you guys,” said Rachel.

“Well, now that we’re all here, we might be able to be not only in the same house since a lot of people aren’t returning, but perform at the feast as well!” said James.

“That would be bloody brilliant!” said Hannah. Jessica introduced the group to Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione.

“Guys, this is Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, his sister Ginny, and Hermione Granger, my sister.”

“Your sister?!” cried the five Salem alumni.

“We were separated at a young age to protect ourselves from Voldemort’s followers.” said Hermione. “We’re fraternal twins.”

“Wow, that’s unbelievable!’ said Tina.

“We have to go to the prefect’s compartment you guys to hand out assignments and passwords,” said Hermione. “You’re welcome to stay here with Ginny until we get back.”

“Yeah, I’d love to hear more about Salem!” said Ginny.

After their meeting, the five returned to the large compartment and indulged themselves in mass loads of sweets and played Exploding Snap. They then changed into their robes and were soon at the Hogsmeade station. The trio waved to Hagrid, who was collecting the first years, and the group got into a bunch of carriages and made their way towards the great hall. Jessica and James introduced their friends from Salem to McGonagall and asked permission if they could perform for the rest of the students. She agreed and the friends decided on which of their songs to sing. After they, and the first years had been sorted, the seven all being sorted into Gryffindor to the cheers from their friends, McGonagall rose from her seat, where Dumbledore had once sat.

“Welcome to another year at Hogwarts,” said McGonagall. The hall was only filled with about half of what it was normally supposed to be, so her voice echoed more.

“As you can see, not only are some of the students normally here no longer with us, but we have some new faces as well. The seven students who were sorted last are transfers from Salem Wizardry Academy in America. Their school closed due to the recent events involving Voldemort and were placed here due to the fact they are from Great Britain. They would like to thank you for welcoming them here with open arms by performing a small song for you, but before they do that, a few reminders. The Forbidden Forest is off limits to all students unless with a teacher. Mr. Filch, our caretaker, has a list of banned items posted on his door. I am pleased to say that Weasley Wizard Wheezes products are NOT on the list.”

McGonagall cracked a small smile as cheers erupted from the students. She clicked her goblet for silence and she spoke again.

“This year we have four new teachers joining our staff. Returning to the Defense Against the Dark Arts position is Remus Lupin.”

Cheers once again filled the hall, only coming from the Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables.

“Filling in for him during his absences will be Arabella Figg-Murphy, a former Auror.”

Jessica groaned as Arabella stood up, cheers erupting from Harry, Hermione, James and the two Weasleys. She gave a small wave to them and took her seat.

“Taking over the Potions class will be Sirius Black.”

Again, more cheers from the Gryffindors, and Jessica groaned again.

“And this year, I am proud to announce there will be a new class. It is optional, but open to all students. It is an Muggle-type ROTC class that will help you become physically fit, and learn to defend yourselves in other ways then spells. I am pleased to welcome Colonel James W. Murphy from the Salem Wizardry Academy in America.”

The Gryffindor table roared and Murphy nodded his gratitude to his step-daughters and their friends.

“Also, house Quidditch tryouts will be held some time within the next two weeks. Please see your house boards for information. And now, if those seven students are ready, you may take the floor.”

The seven Salem alumni rose and transformed into their normal clothes. Jessica conjured a magical CD player to the head table and popped in a CD and played the last track. Some upbeat music began to play, everyone clapping along, and the group started to sing.

Jessica: When the world leaves you feeling blue
You can count on me
I will be there for you

Mike: When it seems, all your hopes and dreams
Are a million miles away
I will reassure you.

All: We got to all stick together
Good friends there for each other
Never ever forget that I got you and you got me

So, Reach for the stars
Climb every mountain higher
Reach for the stars
Follow your heart's desire
Reach for the stars
And when that rainbow's shining over you
That's when your dreams will all come true

Jimmy: There's a place waiting just for you

Jessica: Just for you

Jimmy: It's a special place

Both: Where your dreams all come true

Jimmy: Fly away

Jessica: Fly away

Jimmy: Swim the ocean blue

Jessica: Swim the ocean blue

Jimmy: Drive that open road

Both: Leave the past behind you

All: Don't stop
Gotta keep moving
Your hopes gotta keep buildin'
Never ever forget that I got you and you got me

So, Reach for the stars
Climb every mountain higher
Reach for the stars

Jessica: Follow your heart's desire

Reach for the stars
And when that rainbow's shining over you
That's when your dreams will all come true

Mike: Don't believe in all that you've been told
The sky's the limit
You can reach your goal
No one knows just what the future holds
There ain't nothin' you can't beat
There's the whole world at your feet
I said

All: reach

Jessica: Climb every mountain (reach)
Reach for the moon (reach)
Follow that rainbow
And your dreams will all come true

As Jessica hit the high note, the crowd went wild and started to clap along even more louder than before.

All: So, Reach for the stars
Climb every mountain higher
Reach for the stars
Follow your heart's desire
Reach for the stars
And when that rainbow's shining over you
That's when your dreams will all come true

So, Reach for the stars
Climb every mountain higher
Reach for the stars
Follow your heart's desire
Reach for the stars
And when that rainbow's shining over you
That's when your dreams will all come true

So, Reach for the stars
Climb every mountain higher...

When the group ended, the hall went wild and they received a standing ovation from the hall. Remus, Sirius and Arabella whistled, and then regained their composure when Jessica blushed. They bowed, changed back into their robes and returned to their seats, receiving more congratulations form their friends and housemates.

“Thank you, that was absolutely wonderful. And now, let the feast begin!”

They dined on the food that appeared in front of them and soon the students were dismissed to bed. The fifth year prefects took charge of the first years and Hermione and Harry said their goodnights to their friends and headed to the Head boy and girl’s dormitory.

“We share a common room as well,” said Hermione as she and Harry reached the painting guarding the room.

“Ah, good evening to you Mr. Potter and Miss Granger. Welcome. I am-“

“Godric Gryffindor?” they cried.

“Yes, the portraits of the founders guard this room (this time me) whenever two students from their founding house are head boy and girl. Last time two Gryffindors were head boy and girl were when your parents were filling those positions Harry. You look just like them.”

“I get that a lot,” said Harry.

“Well, don’t stand there all day you two, pick a password!” said Godric.

Harry and Hermione looked at each other.

“Er, Potter and Granger,” said Harry.

“Very well,” said Godric and the portrait swung open. The two lovebirds were in awe as they entered their common room. It was just as nice as the Gryffindor common room, but also had a small kitchen and study area.

Harry noticed that their was only one other door in the room.

“Uh, Hermione? I thought we each had our own room.”

“Well, since we are a couple and since we will eventually get married once we stop Voldemort, I asked McGonagall, if we could share a room and she didn’t object to it since I’d probably would have been in your room every night.”

Harry grinned and turned to his girlfriend.

“Why Miss Granger, what are you implying?” he asked with a cheeky grin.

Hermione grinned and dragged him to the bedroom, slamming the door behind them. It was unfortunate for the other paintings in their common room all night, however, because all they could hear were screaming, moans and groans from that bedroom.

The next morning at breakfast, Harry and Hermione walked into the Great hall holding hands, and earning whispers and stares from the other students. As they joined their friends, Ron and Jessica grinned.

“You shagged last night didn’t you?’ asked Ron.

“Yup, they sure did, they have that look on their faces,” said Neville Longbottom, who had now sprouted to a tall six feet.

“Oh Harry, oh I love you!” cried Seamus Finnegan as he pretended to make out with himself. The table roared with laughter as Harry threw a scone at Seamus, while Hermione blushed a bright red.

“Shove off, Seamus,” said Harry.

“Harry and Hermione, sitting in a tree, s-h-a-g-g-i-n-g!” sang Jessica. The group laughed and McGonagall came over to approve their schedules.

“Why am I not surprised,” moaned Ron as he looked at his schedule.

“What are you guys taking?” asked Hermione as she looked at Jessica’s timetable.

“All of the same classes as you and Harry, plus we’re taking Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid and the Colonel’s class. We’re his assistants.”

“Both of you?” asked Harry as he looked from James to Jessica.

“Yup,” they said.

“You guys should join us during the Colonel’s class, it will strengthen you up for fighting Voldemort,” said James. “It’s during your one free period.”

As Professor McGonagall walked by again, Harry, Ron and Hermione to have the ROTC class added to their schedules.”

“Absolutely, I am not surprised that you decided to add that. Good luck to you all.”

The group made their way down to the dungeons, where Sirius greeted them and they began to learn about advanced healing potions. After earning 50 points for Gryffindor, they made their way to DADA, where Lupin was waiting.

“Hello class, welcome to advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts. I am Professor Remus Lupin and this is my assistant, Professor Arabella Figg-Murphy. For those of you who don’t know me, particularly, the five of you,” he said pointing to Mike, Rachel, Tina, Hannah and John, “I am a werewolf. When it is a full moon, I shall be gone for a few days, and Professor Murphy here will be taking my spot. If anyone has a problem, too bad. And now, if you will turn to your textbooks, we shall start with Chapter 1.”

After the class ended, the Gryffindor seventh years made their way to the Great Hall for Lunch.

“Bloody Hell, I can’t believe we have a fifteen page essay due by Thursday!” cried Ron. “What was Lupin thinking?”

“He can’t favor us all Ron, besides, he’s just doing his job,” said Harry. Jessica stopped in her tracks.

“Oh bugger,” said Jessica.

“Jess, what’s wrong?”

“I think I’m going to be sick again!” cried Jessica and with that she ran into the Girl’s lavatory, which was right next to her. As she re-emerged from the lavatory, James looked at her.

“Babe, I think you should go to the hospital wing, that’s the third time in the last 48 hours you’ve vomited.”

“I think you’re right. See you guys in a bit,” said Jessica, and she headed for the hospital wing.

“No, there’s got to be a mistake, I can’t be!” cried Jessica to Madam Pomfrey.

“There’s no doubt about it, and the test doesn’t lie. Congratulations Miss Black, you’re two weeks pregnant.”

“Bloody hell,” moaned Jessica as she sat on the bed her hands in her head.

“I want you to come visit me during your free period once a week. This potion should help the nausea, take a teaspoon every day. If you run out, come see me for more. And once you get into your later months, no more rough activity.”

“What about Quidditch?” asked Jessica.

“You can play until your eighth month, after that, no.”

“Okay, thank you Madam Pomfrey,” said Jessica. “I just hope Jimmy doesn’t take it too much of a shock.”

And boy was she wrong. When she told Jimmy in an empty classroom, his eyes bugged out, his jaw dropped, and stared at the floor in disbelief.

“Baby, say something. I was just as shocked as you are, believe me. This is the last thing I wanted, but I want this baby more than anything else.”

“Jess, I-I mean, we were so careful…”

“I know. But these things happen a lot. I can’t wait to hear what my dad, mother and the colonel will say. Come on, ROTC is next.”

They reached the classroom and saw that Murphy was lining up the students by height in a straight single file military line.

“What is this, The Sound of Music?” asked Jessica as they set their books down and headed to the office to change into their military uniforms.

“Just a head count,” said Murphy. He stopped in front of Dean Thomas, who was first in line.

“You, what’s your name son?”

“Dean Thomas, sir!” said Dean.

“Thomas, eh? Any relation to Devon Thomas?”

“Yes, sir, he’s my uncle sir!”

“I thought so, I used to be in the R.A.F. with him. Name a muggle weapon, Private Thomas!”

“A .45 caliber sir!’

“Very good. Glad you’re here. 10 points to Gryffindor!”

“Sir, thank you sir!”

“Wow, impressive Dean!” said Jessica as she emerged from the office in her Captain’s uniform.

“Okay, privates, we’re going to start with the basics. Drop and give me twenty!”

“Dad,” whispered Jessica, “can we talk to you in private, no pun intended of course.”

“Okay soldiers, after those 20, do 50 more!’

The group groaned and Jessica, James, and Murphy stepped into his office.

“What is so important that couldn’t wait?” asked Murphy.

“Dad, I’m not going to be able to do a lot of physical activity this year. I found out why I’m sick.”

“And?”

Jessica tensed up.

“I’m pregnant.”

“What?” whispered Murphy.

“Pregnant, two weeks to be in fact. Umm, Madam Pomfrey wants me to restrain myself on any physical activity that might harm the baby.”

“Wow, Jessica, I, I don’t know what to say. But I guess congratulations will have to do.”

And with that, he hugged his step-daughter and future step-son-in-law and returned to class.

Arabella was not pleased to learn that her oldest daughter was expecting, but soon realized she was going to have a grandchild and started knitting. Sirius took James and Murphy to the edge of the lake to have a cigar, much to the dislikes of Arabella and Professor McGonagall, who had allowed Jessica and James to have their own dormitory as well. Harry, Ron and Hermione threw the lovebirds a party well into the night in the Gryffindor common room and were interrupted by McGonagall at 4 AM to tell the Gryffindors to get some sleep.

On a clear and sunny Saturday afternoon a couple weeks later, about 50 people gathered outside on the Quidditch pitch for tryouts. After dismissing several giggling Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, and placing Ron as keeper since no one turned out for the position, the prospective beaters turned up. After them, Harry called for the prospective chasers to line up. Several nervous and shaky first, second and third years took their turns, some not making any of their shots. Ginny took her turn after the last fifth year made her last shot, to reclaim her spot. After successfully making all five of her throws into the hoops, it was Jessica’s turn.

“Go get them sis!” cried Hermione from Harry’s side as Jessica mounted her broom and took off towards Ron with the quaffle. The crowd cheered as she made her first four goals, easily maneuvering past Ron. On her last attempt, Jessica aimed for the goal, but was blocked by Ron. The crowd groaned but still applauded Jessica for her outstanding effort.

“Okay, our chasers this year are returning members Ginny Weasley and Demelza Robins, and new member, Jessica Black with Ashlea Stevens as a reserve.”

The small crowd applauded.

“Our beaters are James Stevens and Seamus Finnegan.”

The crowd whooped and hollered as James and Seamus took their bows and high-fived each other.

“Since the seeker and keeper positions are already filled, these try-outs are-“

“HOLD IT!” cried a voice. Everyone turned to see Cormic McLaggen, the boy who had tried to take Ron’s position last year, walk up the field, with a broomstick in his hand.

“McLaggen, I’m sorry but I’ve already made my decision,” said Harry, now fuming red.

“Aw mate, let him tryout, what’s the worst he could possibly do?” asked James.

So Harry let Ron and McLaggen have a head to head battle for the keeper position. Jessica went up against McLaggen, and Ginny faced-off with Ron.

“The one who blocks the most goals in a minute is the new keeper for Gryffindor,” said Harry. “On your mark, get set, GO!”

The next minute was a whirl wind, Ron had blocked all of his shots, while Jessica had easily gotten past McLaggen about five times.

The crowd cheered as Harry ended the minute and Ron threw a fist up into the air to celebrate. McLaggen scowled and shook hands with Ron after they had both landed on the ground.

“Well, the keeper this year is and still is Ron Weasley. Sorry McLaggen, better luck next time.”

McLaggen scowled and stormed off the field, his friends following him, and the rest of the Gryffindors headed to the Common Room to celebrate.